John Edward Szydlowski IV, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Montana 2023

BILLINGS, MT – A trio of Montana men are facing federal charges after appearing in court this week, accused of crimes ranging from illegal firearm possession to methamphetamine trafficking. The cases, unveiled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, highlight the persistent flow of illegal weapons and drugs through the state.

John Edward Szydlowski IV, 21, of Billings, pleaded not guilty on October 26th before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan to a charge of felon in possession of a firearm. Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Billings Police Department brought the case. If convicted of the most serious crime, Szydlowski faces a potential 15-year prison sentence, a hefty $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He remains detained pending further court proceedings.

Also appearing in Billings was Steven Edward Schlosser, 53, of Ballantine. Schlosser, too, entered a not guilty plea on October 26th before Judge Cavan, charged with felon in possession of a firearm. This investigation was a joint effort between the ATF, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation. Like Szydlowski, Schlosser could face up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release if convicted. He is currently being held in custody.

Further west, in Missoula, Juan Jose Romero, 39, of Butte, faced U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on October 26th. Romero is accused of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The charges stem from a collaborative investigation involving the ATF, the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Montana Probation and Parole. Romero is facing a significantly longer potential sentence: a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a staggering $5 million fine, and at least four years of supervised release. He, too, is currently detained.

These arraignments serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against illegal firearms and drug trafficking in Montana. While the U.S. Attorney’s Office stresses that these are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the charges highlight the commitment of federal and local agencies to pursue those who allegedly violate firearms laws and contribute to the spread of dangerous narcotics.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow these cases as they progress through the federal court system. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet released details regarding the source of the firearms or the extent of the alleged methamphetamine distribution network. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Jesse Laslovich, reminds the public that anyone with information regarding these or other criminal activities should contact the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

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